Traveling Nurses Expectations, Benefits and Their Assignments

Traveling Nurses Expectations, Benefits and Their Assignments Traveling nurses essentially go where there is a need for nurses.

Assignments generally last one to three months and there are some great perks and incentives in this particular field of nursing.

Expectations Working for a traveling nurse agency can be exciting; however you are expected to comply with certain rules and stipulations.

1. You are expected to take offered assignments, unless you have a very valid reason not to. Refuse too often and you will be replaced.

2. You are expected to stay the intended duration of the assignment.

3. You may be assigned to random departments during your travels, and you are expected to accept the assigned area to work in.

4. Unless prior arrangements are made, such as family travel, you will be expected to share a residence with one or two other nurses.

5. You will be expected to be professional, and represent the nursing travel agency in a positive manner.

Related: 5 Ways Nurse Duties Have Evolved Benefits of a Traveling Nurse  Pay is usually very well  Expenses are paid for your travel, rent, utilities, and eating allowance are all provided  You will have the ability to visit different parts of the country at the company’s expense  If arrangements are made for family, they may accompany you as well  You will have an opportunity to experience different hospital settings, and different treatment methods  You will be filling a valuable need Examples of Traveling Nurse Assignments  3 month assignment in ICU at a large hospital in Seattle  60 day assignment at a large hospital in Houston, random floors  3 month assignment in Raleigh, NC, ICU  3 month assignment in Santa Fe in Emergency Room Additional assignments were available in FL, NY, GA, and D.C. Random assignments are often available, however, the summer months are more in

need of traveling nurses, as, vacations near and the children are out of school.

Tips for Traveling Nurses If you are new in this field, there are some things that you can do that will help make your travels much more productive.  Pack fairly basic. A few outfits outside of scrubs should be enough.

Residential sites should have laundry facilities available so clothes can easily be cared for.  Stock up on toiletries and always keep a supply ready to go at a moment's notice.  Take at least two pairs of work shoes so you can alternate, and be sure the shoes will support long shifts, as the hospital is short staff.

A Typical Assignment Upon arriving at your destination, you would be met by a travel coordinator for the hospital. They will show you where you will live during your assignment, and introduce you to any roommates. They will usually give you 24-48 hours to settle in and then meet you at the assigned hospital.

You will be introduced to your supervisor and coworkers, and generally sign paperwork with Human Resources. Training is usually provided for 1 shift only, as traveling nurses are expected to be experienced. Your shift can last anywhere from 8 hours to occasionally 16 hours, however 8-12 hours is the common shift. The assignments go by quickly, as you stay busy for the duration. When your assignment ends, you simply pack up your belongings and return home. If it turns out you were a good match, you may personally be requested when the hospital has another need for nurses.

Related: Making Patients Feel Comfortable There are certain considerations that should be addressed prior to committing to travel nursing. Does your lifestyle permit such an obligation?

Are you comfortable with being gone for 3 months at a time? If you have a family, that may need to be considered, some exceptions are made for families to travel along, however it is rare. Do you have pets that will need to be cared for? If you are currently working in a position, are they aware that you may need to leave with minimal notice? It's very important to understand what is involved, and to know that you can fill the entire commitment. If you currently live in a predominantly warm climate, you may need to purchase weather appropriate clothing, and that is done at your own expense.

Travel nursing can be very educational and exciting. It can be a new

experience every few months. It can offer exposure to new situations and environments, and you are basically getting additional education that is paid for. There are numerous benefits; if you can obligate yourself to the demands, it may be a great option for you and your career.

Related: List of nursing organizations Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter